playgrounds

Six months into the coronavirus pandemic, and four months after Ohio Governor Mike DeWine allowed playgrounds to reopen, the backboards on the basketball court at Herman Park in Cleveland are empty squares, devoid of baskets. The swingsets are empty too, except for some creaking hooks that are supposed to hold the swings.

Nursing homes and sports leagues are reopening even as COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Ohio. But the pandemic’s persistence has one city back in shut-down mode. South Euclid had re-opened playgrounds and the city-owned dog park, but as of Monday they’re closed again, along with organized league play on the ball fields. The closures are due to a spike in COVID-19 cases there, said Keith Benjamin, the city’s community service director.

The state is allowing the reopening of larger entertainment venues on June 10, including movie theaters, museums and zoos. Health officials say companies…